PROTEST: Upset moms stage airport ‘Breast Feed-In’

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) – American Airlines has drawn the scorn of mothers who nurse their babies. At Baltimore Washington International Airport about 25 nursing mothers and their 25 nursing children attracted worldwide attention with a “breast feed-in.”

“It’s common that breastfeeding moms are asked to cover up or breastfeed elsewhere, and it’s illegal to do so. They are allowed to breastfeed however and wherever they see fit,” protest organizer Katy Whippl said.

Wednesday they were in front of the American Airlines ticket counter at BWI.

The protest was in reaction to an experience one of the members of their Mommy-group, called “The Milkmakers,” had on a recent American flight.

“She was discreetly nursing her son, and a flight attendant came over and made her feel really shamed, unwelcome and asked her to cover up,” Whipple said.

When the woman complained to American Airlines, she said she received a letter. However her friends were not satisfied how American handled the apology.

“They don’t see a problem with their policy. We see a problem with their policy because they expect certain things from nursing mothers,” Whipple said.

Now, American is clarifying its position.

“We apologize to the breastfeeding mother who was offered a blanket during a recent flight by a well-intentioned flight attendant. The intent was to make everyone on-board comfortable,” American said in a statement.

Since they’re talking about breastfeeding, the moms made a point to do it.